Rachel Nye is dually certified as both a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her bachelor of science in nursing and a doctorate of nursing practice from Northern Michigan University. She has a Master of Science (MS) degree from the University of Wyoming and earned her post graduate certificate as a PMHNP from Saginaw Valley State University.
She has over two decades of experience in the medical field. She has experience caring for obstetrical, neonatal and hospice patients as well as educating future nurses. Rachel’s main focus at Monarch Healthcare is mental health. As a PMHNP, she is able to complete comprehensive mental health assessments, prescribe medications, and provide individual therapy. She is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She believes in taking the time to attentively listen to patients in order to understand their circumstances, challenges, strengths and goals.
Her hobbies include kayaking, reading, walking, and spending time with family. She also participates in events with her certified therapy dog.
Born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Anna-Liisa is honored to now provide therapy in the community she calls home.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an emphasis in Trauma in 2023 from Grand Canyon University and completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2025 from the University of the Cumberlands. She is currently practicing as a Limited License Professional Counselor (LLPC).
For the past three years, Anna-Liisa has worked as a psychometric technician administering neuropsychological assessments, deepening her understanding of how the brain, behavior, and lived experience intersect. She provides individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, with particular focus in anxiety, OCD, ADHD, relationship challenges, identity development, and feelings of overwhelm or self-doubt.
Her approach is person-centered and grounded in compassion and curiosity. She believes meaningful change happens when you feel safe enough to be honest and fully yourself. You don’t need the “right” words or clear goals to begin, just a willingness to show up as you are.
In her free time, Anna-Liisa enjoys creating, whether painting, drawing, or working with mixed media, reading, and spending summers at camp with her family on the Dead River Basin.
Kara Graci is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She earned her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. She has over a decade of experience working with clients across the lifespan, from perinatal mental health support to hospice social work. She also received a bachelor of science with concentrations in special education and applied behavior analysis. She spent 9 years as a special education teacher specializing in behavior prior to becoming a social worker and understands the challenges of complex parenting and family situations.
As a LMSW, she is able to complete comprehensive mental health assessments, provide individual therapy, family therapy, and short term counseling for patients experiencing a non-life threatening crisis. Additionally, Kara is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her focus is on client centered goal setting and supporting clients through life transitions such as transitioning into young adulthood or parenting across the lifespan. She also specializes in treating athletes and uses a warm, yet straightforward approach to help clients achieve their ideal life worth living.
Originally from the Lansing area, Kara has lived in the Upper Peninsula for 20 years and enjoys taking in all the region has to offer. In her free time, she can be found biking and hiking with family, reading or watching her kids’ sporting events.
Originally from Indiana, Jefferson is a clinical therapist (LLMSW, QMHP, QIDP) who believes healing happens when people feel seen, supported, and understood. With almost a decade of experience in the social services field, Jefferson’s work centers on helping clients build emotional resilience, develop healthier patterns, and move through life’s challenges with confidence. Jefferson brings a calm, grounded presence to therapy, creating a space where people can explore openly, grow safely, and feel empowered in their own journey.
With Jefferson’s history of social services roles, including working with abused/neglected youth in residential treatment, as a Families First Specialist, and case management/mental health therapy in severe mental illness, Jefferson brings a dedication to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges with clarity, compassion, and evidence‑based care. He specializes in creating safe, structured, and empowering therapeutic experiences that honor each client’s unique story. With a strong foundation in clinical social work and specialized training across multiple populations, Jefferson blends clinical insight with genuine human connection to support meaningful, sustainable growth.
Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, Julie is a graduate of Westwood High School then went on to study Biology at Michigan Tech University. Next she went on to receive her Masters in Medical Science studies at Midwestern University outside of Chicago. She has been working in the medical field for over 20 years, working in several medical specialties including Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine and Internal Medicine.
Julie enjoys taking care of her community and neighbors helping to improve their overall health and well-being. She has brought her medical knowledge and expertise to create Monarch Healthcare. Her goal has always been to create a better patient and provider experience. She is doing just that by focusing on seeing less patients daily and providing the best care she can for her patients.
In her spare time, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband and children enjoying the UP., whether it be time at the lake, camping, mountain biking, hiking, or skiing!
Mike is a U.P. native, a graduate of Kingsford High School, and went on to serve 23 years in the US Air Force as an Armament Systems Specialist. His duty locations included: Virginia, Korea, Alaska and Idaho, as well as multiple deployment locations all over the world.
The most rewarding time for Mike was when he was selected to service in the special duty at the Airmen and Family Readiness Center. His responsibility was to take care of service members and their families before, during and post deployment. This is where Mike shined, providing compassionate level of service to those he guided through some very trying times and why we are excited to have him as a member of the Monarch team!
Outside of work, you will find Mike enjoying the splendor of the U.P. with family and friends. Althougt he misses the mountains of the west, Mike has found his forever home back here in the Marquette area.
Though she grew up downstate she relocated to the UP over ten years ago following medical residency. She operates her own primary care clinic in Harvey along with various other medical leadership roles. She is always eager to show her passion for medicine and help to improve the lives of her patients. When she isn’t practicing medicine, she enjoys spending time with her four daughters, working out at the YMCA, or mountain biking.
We want to share an important update about changes at Monarch Healthcare. As of October 31, 2025, we will no longer be providing primary care services.
Instead, we are shifting our focus to the areas where we see a strong and growing community need: mental health services and functional medicine care.
For those currently seeing NP Rachel Nye for mental health care, please know that her services at Monarch Healthcare will continue without interruption — and we plan to expand mental health services so more patients can access this vital support.
Functional Medicine services with PA Julie McDonald will also continue through Monarch Functional Medicine. We are expanding to add in‑person appointment availability. In addition, we will be opening a supplement store to make it easier for you to access high‑quality, professional‑grade products. Our goal is to make Functional Medicine even more accessible, convenient, and tailored to your needs. If you would like to learn more about what Functional Medicine is please click the link below:
We are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us as your primary care provider. Please note that we will continue to provide all of the Primary Care services you have been accustomed to through the end of October.
Thank you for being part of the Monarch Healthcare community.